Rockhampton to Townsville drive: Distance and road trip attractions

Beach towns on the drive to Townsville

There are several quieter coastal spots north of Airlie Beach. Dingo Beach, Hideaway Bay and Cape Gloucester offer simpler, more laid-back holidays. But Bowen is the biggest town before Townsville.

The best things to do in Bowen include learning the story of the flying boats at the Catalina Memorial, walking to the Flagstaff Hill Lookout, and going for a snorkel at Horseshoe Bay.

Where to stay in Bowen

The best Bowen accommodation choices are:

For families: Queens Beach Tourist Village.
For great value apartments with kitchens: Palm View Holiday Apartments.
For Horseshoe Bay beachside location: Horseshoe Bay Resort.
For central location, free parking and kitchenettes: Port Denison Motor Inn.

After Bowen, the Bruce Highway crosses the Burdekin River and reaches Ayr. Things to do in Ayr, Queensland, include seeing the mosaics at the Ayr Nature Display and watching movies at the Stardust Drive-In.

The best accommodation in Ayr

The top accommodation picks in Ayr are:

For a family-friendly holiday park: Discovery Parks Ayr.
For a motel that gets it right: Country Ayr Motel.
For cheap rates and a pool: Ayr Max Motel.

Divers should divert towards Alva Beach on the coast before reaching Townsville, however. This is where Yongala Dive runs trips to the astonishing SS Yongala wreck from.